Synthesis and characterization of CO2 responsive cellulose nanocrystals via RAFT-mediated graft modification

Cellulose is the most abundant natural polymer on Earth. From cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) can be obtained through various hydrolysis processes. This material has become the subject of much attention from the scientific community due to its outstanding mechanical, optical and physical-chemical properties, in addition to its high natural abundance, and low toxicity. There is interest in grafting different types of polymers onto CNC as their applications are limited due to their poor dispersibility in low polarity and non-polar systems. Please download the file below for full content

Technologies for harvesting microalgae for biodiesel production: a comparative LCA study

In recent years, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been used in multiple studies to evaluate the environmental benefits resulting from the production of biofuel from microalgae. Literature in this field shows that one of the main issues associated with biofuel production is energy consumption during the harvest of microalgae algae, largely due to the high yield of dry matter required for the subsequent production of biodiesel. To date, no existing LCAs have specifically focused on assessing alternative approaches to harvest microalgae. The aim of this paper is to analyze the utilization of emerging and innovative technologies for microalgae harvest, in terms of changing environmental impacts associated with biodiesel production, utilizing a case study in Ontario, Canada. An LCA model will be developed applied to four different scenarios, based on the use of four alternative harvest technologies. These technologies include (1) APIm-modified CNC, (2) modified magnetic nanoparticles (MNP), and (3) bacteria for algal separation. An additional scenario (4) will examine a system that avoids dry matter concentration and moves directly from microalgae production straight to lipid extraction. In each scenario, increasing algae harvesting efficiency is examined based on both microalgae species and the harvesting technology adopted, and potential environmental and economic benefits associated with biodiesel production are quantified. The case study in Ontario, Canada, is informed by partnership with industrial partners (a cement company and a water treatment utility) who have provided primary data to the study. The LCAs will be carried out in a fashion designed to allow comparison across all harvest scenarios, using a common model developed in Simapro. Different impact assessment methodologies will also be considered in the analysis, in order to characterize the sensitivity of the obtained results

comparative lca of flocculation for the harvesting of microalgae for biofuels production

Abstract In recent years, the use of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to evaluate environmental benefits resulting from the production of biofuel from microalgae has continued to evolve. Literature in this field shows that one of the main challenges associated with the effect of biofuel production on the environment is the high energy consumption necessary in the microalgae harvesting phase to achieve the level of dewatering required to the next steps. Moreover, detailed LCAs specifically focused on the assessment of alternative technologies for the harvesting of microalgae have yet to be presented. As such, the aim of this paper is to analyze the potential environmental benefits and shortcomings arising from the use of flocculation for the harvesting of microalgae in the biofuel production process, with particular attention to the Canadian context. The method employed is a comparative LCA, where two alternative scenarios based on the application of two harvesting technologies are taken into account: (1) flocculation and centrifugation and (2) direct centrifugation (without flocculation). The calculations of environmental impact and the sensitivity analysis are performed with the SimaPro software

Does accreditation stimulate change? A study of the impact of the accreditation process on Canadian healthcare organizations

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>One way to improve quality and safety in healthcare organizations (HCOs) is through accreditation. Accreditation is a rigorous external evaluation process that comprises self-assessment against a given set of standards, an on-site survey followed by a report with or without recommendations, and the award or refusal of accreditation status. This study evaluates how the accreditation process helps introduce organizational changes that enhance the quality and safety of care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used an embedded multiple case study design to explore organizational characteristics and identify changes linked to the accreditation process. We employed a theoretical framework to analyze various elements and for each case, we interviewed top managers, conducted focus groups with staff directly involved in the accreditation process, and analyzed self-assessment reports, accreditation reports and other case-related documents.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The context in which accreditation took place, including the organizational context, influenced the type of change dynamics that occurred in HCOs. Furthermore, while accreditation itself was not necessarily the element that initiated change, the accreditation process was a highly effective tool for (i) accelerating integration and stimulating a spirit of cooperation in newly merged HCOs; (ii) helping to introduce continuous quality improvement programs to newly accredited or not-yet-accredited organizations; (iii) creating new leadership for quality improvement initiatives; (iv) increasing social capital by giving staff the opportunity to develop relationships; and (v) fostering links between HCOs and other stakeholders. The study also found that HCOs' motivation to introduce accreditation-related changes dwindled over time.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that the accreditation process is an effective leitmotiv for the introduction of change but is nonetheless subject to a learning cycle and a learning curve. Institutions invest greatly to conform to the first accreditation visit and reap the greatest benefits in the next three accreditation cycles (3 to 10 years after initial accreditation). After 10 years, however, institutions begin to find accreditation less challenging. To maximize the benefits of the accreditation process, HCOs and accrediting bodies must seek ways to take full advantage of each stage of the accreditation process over time.</p

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Effects of Environmental Factors on the Disinfection Performance of a Wastewater Stabilization Pond Operated in a Temperate Climate

Treatment in a wastewater stabilization pond (WSP) relies on natural purification processes, which can be sensitive to both location and climate. This study investigated the effects of three environmental factors, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature, on disinfection efficiency in a WSP system consisting of three facultative cells, and operated in a temperate climate region, in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Indicator organism (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) removal in WSP systems is driven by a combination of different factors. Elevated pH and DO concentrations, which are attributed to the presence of algae, are important factors for effective disinfection. Therefore, the presence of algae in natural wastewater treatment systems can contribute appreciably to disinfection. Consequently, based on algal concentrations, removal efficiencies of pathogenic microorganisms during wastewater treatment over the course of a year can be highly variable, where higher removal efficiencies would be expected in summer and fall seasons

Disinfection Processes and Mechanisms in Wastewater Stabilization Ponds: A Review

Wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) have been proven to be economical alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment technologies due to their unique advantages, including ease of operation, minimal energy input and minimal maintenance requirements. Their reported high pathogen removal efficiencies have made WSPs a popular choice for wastewater treatment, especially as tertiary lagoons. This paper provides a critical overview of the various disinfection processes and mechanisms that occur in WSPs. A thorough review of the removal or attenuation mechanisms for bacterial, viral, protozoan and helminthic pathogens is presented. Factors that impact the removal efficiency of pathogenic organisms may include sunlight, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, sedimentation, attachment, hydraulic retention time (HRT), pond depth, predation and nutrient availability; the relationship between these factors is also discussed. The purpose of this review paper is to utilize the current understanding of pathogen removal mechanisms in pond systems to improve the operation and design of WSPs, and more importantly, to provide guidance for the definition of regulations with respect to pathogen removal in eco-engineered wastewater treatment systems such as WSPs.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author